1. Things To Know Before You Go
Would you like to visit a comprehensive scenic area that combines snow-capped mountains, canyons, glaciers, rivers, plateau lakes and virgin forests together? This was once a place that couldn't be found on the map, but now it is gradually coming into the public eyes. Even though less than one-tenth of it has been developed, it is already fascinating enough for countless people. Shangri-La is so beautiful, Balagezong, namely Shangri-La Grand Canyon, is a place that integrates nature, culture, history and stories. Once you get to know it better, you will fall in love with it.
2. Why Is Shangri-La Grand Canyon So Special?
Just as it was described in "Lost Horizon", a novel written by James Hilton, there were snow-capped mountains like pyramids (Gezong Snow Mountain), peaceful villages (Balagu Village), fertile pastures (Naidang Pasture), as well as natural beautiful landscapes such as canyons, forests and lakes. The sacred mountains and holy lands here are must-visit places in Shangri-La.
2.1 The Tangible Benefits Bring To Tourists
Because Shangri-La Grand Canyon is located in the central area of the triangle region of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, and affected by the special geological and landform features, it combines the characteristics of being strange, dangerous, wild, beautiful and secluded, full of interesting and peculiar charm. When you step into it, it's like entering a long scroll painting of magnificent mountains and beautiful waters. In this place, you will spot the Shambhala Stupa towering into the clouds, the deep and quiet Shangri-La Grand Canyon. You will also see the Snow Mountain and Ice Spring Health Resort surrounded by mountains, adding the sacred and magnificent Balazhuomalakang, all of these landscapes depict the enchanting atmosphere in these scenic areas. Apart from this, there are also the wooden plank roads on the Echo Wall built along the cliff and the thrilling high-altitude zip lines. Wandering in the ancient village of Balagu, it couldn't be more beautiful than watching and experiencing this by yourself, the uncanny workmanship of nature has indeed created the diverse forms and infinite mysteries of Balagezong.
2.2 Attractions Overview
2.2.1 Geographical Features
Shangri-La Grand Canyon, also known as "Balagezong", is situated in Nixi Township, more than 80 kilometers northwest of Shangri-La County. One end of the canyon is named Xiangge and the other end is named Lila, so it is named Shangri-La Grand Canyon. It is said that the Blue Moon Canyon mentioned in the book "Lost Horizon" is right here. Actually, it is the most distinctive scenic area complex in Shangri-La and enjoys the reputation of "Little Jiangnan in Shangri-La".
2.2.2 Tourism Resources
Balagezong is located in Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan. It means "the white castle of Batang people". It is a national scenic area and special part of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage. The scenic area consists of sheer cliffs and canyons, plateau lakes, mysterious snow-capped mountains, grassland pastures, virgin forests and so on. At the foot of the mountain, there are surging rivers and unique canyon cliffs, as well as the dry-hot valley landscape similar to the Savannah in tropical Africa. In addition to this, there are lush virgin forests, various rare birds and animals as well as strange flowers and trees on the mountainside. On the mountaintop stand the majestic snow-capped peaks and glaciers, ice-eroded lakes, alpine shrub meadows and scree slopes covered with alpine flowers and precious Chinese herbal medicines. However, what endows the scenic area with flesh and soul is the Tibetan folk custom and cultural charm mainly based on Tibetan Buddhism and sacred mountains as well as holy lands, all of these make Shangri-La Grand Canyon full of charming appeal.
2.2.3 Climatic Resources
The Balagezong scenic area mainly focuses canyon landscapes. It is located in the alpine-cold vegetation area and alpine canyon area of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its natural ecological tourism resources possess higher quality, stronger comprehensiveness and mystery, together with more diverse landforms and vegetation.
2.2.4 Legend About Shangri-la Grand Canyon
Based on the legend which is recorded about more than 1,300 years ago, a powerful Tibetan tribal chief named Sinaduoji wanted to pursue his wife named Rencheng Lhamo who had left home with an old lama because she was tired of war, so he gave up wealth, power, and vast territories and sought for a holy land on earth that was far away from war and free from worldly disputes. After that, Sinaduoji led his tribe, following in the footsteps of Rencheng Lhamo, and traveled all the way south from the distant Batang to Balagu and settled down there. Since then, Balagu Village has become the ideal homeland of the Sinaduoji family and the indigenous residents after generations.
3. How To Get To Shangri-la Grand Canyon
The main modes of transportation to Shangri-La Grand Canyon include the following modes of transportation.
By Plane
From Kunming to Shangri-La: You can take a direct flight from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Shangri-La Airport. The flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. After arriving at Shangri-La Airport, you can choose to rent a car, hire a chartered vehicle or take public transportation to the scenic area.
From Lijiang to Shangri-La: There are also direct flights from Lijiang Sanyi Airport to Shangri-La Airport, with a flight time of approximately 40 minutes.
Public Transportation methods
Scenic Area Shuttle Bus
Take Bus No. 1 or a taxi from the entrance of Shangri-La Passenger Transport Station to the North Gate of Dukezong Ancient City. The reception center of Balagezong Scenic Area in Dukezong Ancient City is located beside the parking lot at the North Gate of Dukezong Ancient City. Take the Balagezong special line bus from the reception center in Dukezong Ancient City to the tourist reception center of Balagezong Scenic Area (the tourist reception center of Shangri-La Grand Canyon).
Departure time of Balagezong special line bus from the reception desk in Dukezong Ancient City: 8:30 every morning in summer and 9:00 every morning in winter. (Required time: 1.5 - 2 hours.)
Self-driving
Start from Shangri-La City and follow National Highway 214 (in the direction of Deqin). When you reach the fork in the road at Shangqiao, Nixi Township (about 50 kilometers), there is a huge sculpture of Balagezong Scenic Area. Turn right into the highway in the scenic area and drive 17 kilometers forward to the tourist reception center of Balagezong Scenic Area.
Ticket Price: 170 yuan (including the entrance ticket and the cost of the sightseeing bus)
Opening Hours: From 8:30 to 16:30 every day.
4. Highlights Of Shangri-La Grand Canyon
4.1 Shangri-La Grand Canyon 香格里拉大峡谷
Shangri-La Grand Canyon is also known as Birang Canyon and Tongtian Canyon. It consists of two sections of scenic areas, namely Nixi Balagezong Canyon and Gezan Birong Canyon. As one of the "deepest canyons in the country", it is renowned for having "canyons within canyons, canyons above canyons, crisscrossing and connecting with each other". It is more thrilling than Tiger Leaping Gorge and steeper than the Grand Canyon of Colorado. In the typical "U" -shaped canyon, the precipitous cliffs with a drop of 200 - 1000 meters are too dangerous to climb. Standing at the bottom of the canyon and looking up, the steep walls seem to rush towards you with tremendous force. Walking along the plank roads in the canyon just like entering an endless gallery of canyon landscapes, the views are indeed breathtaking. The whole plank roads in Shangri-La Grand Canyon are 2.5 kilometers long, they are horizontal and parallel plank roads which are suitable for hiking.
Due to the unique vertical and three-dimensional climate of "four seasons on one mountain" in Balagezong Scenic Area, and with Shangri-La Grand Canyon as the main attraction, there are many side valleys on both sides. The magnificent alpine canyons, the perilous and lofty cliffs, the grotesque rock formations and geological folds on the sheer cliffs form various huge landscape rock paintings, which complement the exotic flowers and plants and strange vines and trees on the mountainside. At the end of the canyon, tourists can choose an exciting rafting trip, which is with an altitude lower than that of Shangri-La as a whole, thus creating different beautiful sceneries. In about 20 minutes, tourists may feel that "the light boat has passed thousands of mountains", allowing them to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon in another way.
4.2 The Spiritual Sacred Mountain "Gezong Snow Mountain" 灵性神山“格宗雪山”
Gezong Snow Mountain is located at the border between Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and Derong County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is the highest peak in Shangri-La with an altitude of 5306 meters. Also, it is the 11th highest peak in Yunnan Province and there are currently no records of climbing. Gezong Snow Mountain generally runs in the southeast-northwest direction, its ridge is like a row of teeth, three small transverse ridges on the southwest side are respectively linked to the Gezong Bensong Peak of Balagezong Snow Mountain. The Gezong Bensong Peak is pyramid-shaped and the southwest-facing mountain body is severely affected by the climate with serious wind erosion and snow erosion together with less snow accumulation, most of the mountain gullies are full of broken stones. On the other hand, snow can be seen above 4500 meters with an altitude of 5545 meters on the northeast side of the mountain body,it stands like a pyramid on this pure land, thus travelers can spot the common wonder of "the golden mountain in the sunlight" in this holy land.
4.3 The Millennium Bodhi Tree 千年菩提树
There is a bodhi tree with a history of over a thousand years at the entrance of the scenic area and it is estimated to be more than three thousand years old according to the investigation and inference of plant experts. Leaning against the cliff on this magical land of Balagezong, it has withstood the wind and rain for thousands of years yet still remains lush, full of vitality and growing vigorously. Its trunk, which is only as thick as a bowl, has spread over more than 400 square meters of the cliff, making everyone admire the strong vitality of this divine tree. What is even more astonishing is the "Buddha's hand" that magically grows out of the bodhi tree trunk, making it a great wonder in Balagezong, so many people come from afar to show their respects and pray for blessings. Since the bodhi tree symbolizes enlightenment and wisdom, it is used to guide people to reach the states of sudden enlightenment, realizing the truth and transcending the mundane world.
According to the Sutra of the Golden Light: The bodhi tree has a guardian deity, known as the Sacred Bodhi Tree. The master said that the phoenix is the guardian deity of this tree and also the messenger of happiness in the mortal world. Every five hundred years, it has to bear all the unhappiness, hatred and grudges accumulated in the mortal world and throw itself into the raging fire to burn itself, exchanging the end of its life and beauty for the peace and happiness of the mortal world. Therefore, this tree is also known as the "Phoenix Bodhi".
Tibetan Buddhism believes that the bodhi tree embodies various virtues and has the ability to enable people to fulfill their wishes and be absolved of their sins. Paying respects to the bodhi tree will please the deities residing in the tree, and they will bestow blessings so that the wishes of the common people can come true. As a result, it can help people get out of various difficulties and fulfill the desires in their hearts, so this millennia-old bodhi tree is of great significance to people.
4.4 Balagu Village 巴拉村
"Balagu" is a transliteration from Tibetan. "Bala" means coming from Batang, and "Gezong" refers to a place of good fortune and happiness. It is also a secluded paradise isolated from the outside world. Balagu Village, as an ancient and backward Tibetan village, is a small village hidden at the foothill of Gezong Snow Mountain deep in Shangri-La Grand Canyon,it is with an altitude of 3,000 meters, about 700 meters vertically above the Gangqu River Valley. The residences in Balagu Village are pure Tibetan-style earthen wall blockhouses with thick walls and high buildings. Against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, blue sky and white clouds, this village looks like a beautiful oil painting and this little-known holy land on earth has a heroic legend that has been buried for thousands of years.
According to legend, a long time ago, a general under King Gesar was tired of the continuous war life year after year. One day, he dreamed that three goddesses took him to a fairyland-like canyon filled with sacred mountains, where there was no war and no troubles. So, the general led his family and subordinates and walked for eighty-one days, traveling all over the mountains and rivers in the Kham area in search of the paradise in his dream and then they settled down here. Since the general's family was from Batang, they named this place Balagu Village, and the snow mountain behind the village was called Balagezong Snow Mountain. So far, they have been working from sunrise to sunset, living a secluded "paradise" life from generation to generation for thousands of years.
In Balagu Village, you can feel its original appearance and the living customs of this ancient village, but also enjoy the luxury of modern life at the same time. The Tibetan-style wooden buildings are built in layers according to the terrain of the mountain, colorful prayer flags flutter around the mani pile at the entrance of the village. Surprisingly, the large nearby farmlands and grasslands are full of green vitality in summer and they turn into a beautiful scene of yellow and green intermingling in autumn, they can bring the tourists very impressive atmosphere.
4.5 Shambhala Stupa 香巴拉佛塔
The Shambhala Stupa is a natural stupa. It is located in the snow-covered area with an altitude of more than 4,200 meters. The naturally formed pyramid-shaped peak is covered with white snow, standing tall and majestic as if it descends directly from the Ninth Heaven. On one side, the other two snow-capped mountains look like a lama sitting upright chanting scriptures and an unfolded scripture respectively. These three high mountains, namely the stupa, the scripture, and the old lama, are vividly praised by people as the "Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha" Three Treasures.
Every year, a large number of devout believers come here to pay their respects. What is really amazing is that cars can directly drive up to the Shambhala Stupa, both the stupa and the pasture are covered with snow in winter, presenting a truly spectacular and beautiful scene. Tourists can also see various cattle and sheep on the vast pasture, coupled with countless magnificent mountains, they may experience the heroic feeling of being "all alone" between the heaven and the earth.
4.6 High-altitude Glass Plank Road And "High-altitude Zip Line" On The Echo Wall 高空玻璃栈道和回音壁“高空滑索”
The high-altitude glass plank road in Shangri-La is the highest glass plank road in China in terms of altitude, it has a vertical drop of 700 meters and is 1,106 meters long. It consists of the glass platform of the high-altitude plank road on the Echo Wall and the high-altitude zip line on the currently highest-altitude glass platform of the high-altitude plank road, and it is the best viewing spot in Balagezong.
4.6.1 High-altitude Glass Plank Road 高空玻璃栈道
Walking slowly eastward for about 500 meters through the quiet and mysterious Balagu Village and facing the rising sun, visitors will arrive at the Echo Wall, the best viewing spot. Different from other sacred mountains with lush forests, the vegetation on the mountain here is sparse and the cliffs are extremely steep. When tourists shout loudly towards this unique cliff, the sound waves will be reflected back by the stone wall and echo continuously in their ears.
In the Balagu Village where people are good at singing and dancing, so many people like to sing here, what amazes the travelers is that the Echo Wall adds natural harmonies and repeated sounds to the melodious and ancient ballads, making them full of lingering charm. If tourists suffer from something unhappy, they can shout towards it, the sky is big enough and the canyon is deep enough to hold all the grievances and unhappiness, also the gentle breeze in the valley and the clear chirping of birds will soon make tourists feel relaxed and refreshed,all of these making it an unmissable tourist destination.
4.6.2 "High-altitude Zip Line" On The Echo Wall 回音壁“高空滑索”
This project is 425 meters in total length with a high-altitude drop of 800 meters and it is currently the longest, highest and most exciting zip line project in Yunnan Province.
4.7 Tibetan Culture Expo Center "Balazhuomalakang" 藏文化博览中心“巴拉卓玛拉康”
Not far from Balagu Village is the Tibetan Culture Expo Center, which can be reached by taking a sightseeing bus. The Tibetan people here have left extremely rich cultural heritages and splendid ethnic cultures in aspects such as literature, music, dance, painting, sculpture, and architectural art. The superb carving skills and Tibetan medicine here are all important legacies of mankind.
4.8. "Palden Lhamo" Observation Deck “班丹拉姆”观景台
On the way to Balagu Village through Shangri-La Grand Canyon, tourists will pass by the "Palden Lhamo" Observation Deck. From this observation deck, tourists can have a panoramic view of the entire canyon. "Palden Lhamo" is the female Dharma protector in Tibetan Buddhism, also known as "Sri Devi", "Goddess of Good Fortune", and "Glorious Queen". Tibetan believers believe that offering sacrifices to her can ward off disasters and bring prosperity to people and livestock. Therefore, tourists can come to this place to pray for blessings for themselves.
4.9 The Millennium Tribal Homeland—"Naidang Pasture" 千年部落家园—“乃当牧场”
Naidang Pasture is a typical plateau pasture where tourists can see flocks of cattle and sheep and lush grass and trees. In the virgin forest of the pasture, there are Tibetan cypress, Himalayan fir, the "tree fern" which is a living fossil of plants, as well as more than a hundred kinds of rhododendrons. Therefore, it has long been known as the "Natural Natural Museum" and the "Natural Green Gene Bank".
In addition, this pasture is also the place where ethnic minority tribes initially lived. Here, there are undulating mountains, vast sea of forests, meadows like carpets, flocks of cattle and sheep like clouds, gurgling rivers, rare birds in all directions, as well as valleys like spring, and snow on the mountaintops. The grasslands in the pastoral area are like a woven tapestry with flocks of cattle and sheep, continuous snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and abundant rainfall to make it a wonderful destination for visitors to relish their life. Tourists can not only enjoy the idyllic scenery of the grasslands in Tibetan areas at Naidang Pasture but also personally experience the mysterious humanistic charm of the Tibetan nationality in Shangri-La.
4.10 Tongtian Canyon: The Exquisite Canyon Gallery 通天峡：绝美的峡谷画廊
Tongtian Canyon is known as the canyon gallery. Walking along the plank road all the way up, it feels as if you are walking on the precipitous cliffs. Looking up, you can see the "Heavenly Eye"; looking forward, there is the profound and mysterious canyon; looking back, there is the exquisite canyon gallery. The canyon is deep and quiet, accompanied by the tinkling spring water, thus the scenery is so beautiful that you can't take your eyes off it. Tourists can spend one hour or even more time walking along this wooden hiking plank road, enjoying the beautiful scenery all the way to add the flavor to their travel experience.
5. Best Time To Go
The best time to visit Shangri-La Grand Canyon is in summer and autumn, especially from July to October. During this period, the natural landscapes and climate conditions within the canyon are highly suitable for sightseeing. Moreover, July to October is also the peak tourist season of Shangri-La Grand Canyon. At this time, the climate is pleasant with the average temperature being around 15 - 20 degrees Celsius, which is extremely suitable for outdoor activities. Although July and August are the rainy season, the rain doesn't affect the overall touring experience. Instead, it makes the vegetation in the canyon look even more vibrant, thus making tourists so immersed in the process of visiting the canyon that they can't bear to leave.
6. What To Eat?
The food in Shangri-La Grand Canyon is rich in variety and diverse in flavor, including local specialty cuisines and traditional Tibetan dishes.
6.1 The Local Secialty Cuisines
Yak Meat-related Cuisines: The yak meat in Shangri-La is tender and refreshing because the yaks live in high-altitude areas, eating wild herbs and drinking snow-melt water, so it is recommended to try yak meat hot pot, dried yak meat, etc.
Matsutake Mushrooms: Shangri-La is a major production area of matsutake mushrooms. Matsutake mushrooms are highly nutritious, and the common cooking methods include stewing chicken with matsutake mushrooms, charcoal-grilled matsutake mushrooms, and frying matsutake mushrooms with butter.
Highland Barley Wine: It is brewed from highland barley, the wine is clear and pure with a lingering taste. Moderate drinking can help relax muscles, activate blood circulation and keep warm in cold weather.
Yogurt and Cheese Residue: Yogurt is a unique dairy product in Tibetan households of the Shangri-La area with rich nutritional value, this cheese residue has a sweet and sour taste, which is very appetizing.
6.2 The Traditional Tibetan Dishes
Buttered Tea: Made from tea leaves, butter, salt and other raw materials, it has a strong milky and tea aroma.Most importantly, it can not only quench your thirst, but also satisfy your hunger, even can be eaten together with zanba, making it a special food that you can have a try.
7. Nearby Attractions
There are many tourist attractions near Shangri-La Grand Canyon that are worth visiting, including Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai Lake, Pudacuo National Park and Tiger Leaping Gorge, etc.
7.1 Songzanlin Monastery 松赞林寺
This is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, known as the "Little Potala Palace". The architectural style inside the monastery is magnificent, the Buddha statues are exquisitely crafted, and the religious atmosphere is thick. Tourists can follow the guided explanations to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture, and they can also enjoy the panoramic view on the wooden plank road around Ram Yangcuo Lake. The ticket price is 90 yuan, including 55 yuan for the entrance ticket, 20 yuan for the sightseeing bus and 15 yuan for the guided explanation.
7.2 Napahai Lake 纳帕海
This is a beautiful lake in summer and turns into a large expanse of grassland in winter, known as the "Leopard Mountain". Tourists can choose to ride horses around the lake or drive to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and they can also see flocks of cattle and sheep, all of these make it an ideal shooting location for natural scenery.
7.3 Pudacuo National Park 普达措国家公园
This is the first national park in mainland China, possessing various natural landscapes such as alpine lakes, virgin forests and grasslands. The main attractions include Shudu Lake and Bitahai Lake. Tourists can choose to hike to enjoy the scenery of forests, snow-capped mountains, lakes and meadows, etc.
7.4 Tiger Leaping Gorge 虎跳峡
Located at the junction of Lijiang and Shangri-La, it is a world-famous grand canyon, which is divided into three sections: Upper Tiger Leaping, Middle Tiger Leaping and Lower Tiger Leaping, and the most essential part is the Upper Tiger Leaping, very spectacular, the recommended visiting time is 2 - 3 hours.
All of these attractions are not only rich in beautiful natural scenery but also contain abundant cultural and historical backgrounds, making them the must-visit destinations for travelers.
8. Useful Travel Tips
Altitude Sickness: Due to the relatively high altitude in Shangri-La, it is recommended that visitors should not go to the highlands when having a cold. It is best not to take a bath or wash your hair on the first day when you just arrive at the highlands, try to avoid strenuous exercise.
Weather Conditions: As the temperature difference between morning and evening in Shangri-La is quite large, and it is necessary to bring a thick coat that is easy to put on and take off even in summer.
Sun Protection Measures: Because of the large temperature difference between day and night on the highlands, it is especially cold in the morning while relatively hot at noon, thus it is recommended to bring a sun umbrella and a slightly thicker coat.
Temple Etiquette: When visiting temples, do not make loud noises, wear miniskirts or hot pants, or touch the Buddha statues casually. Photography is prohibited inside the temples. You can only take photos outside the temples and can't take pictures of monks and women randomly.
Respecting Local Customs: Do not touch the tops of children's heads, do not pick up or sit on mani piles casually, also you can't receive the hada from Tibetan people with one hand, instead you should use two hands to accept them to show your respects.